The 39th edition of the Liberty Bowl, the game featured the Pittsburgh Panthers and the Southern Miss Golden Eagles.

Even though they finished third in the Big East Conference, Pittsburgh had won half as many games as they had won the past four seasons (12) in just one season, under new coach Walt Harris.

The fourth quarter proved to be the death blow for Pittsburgh as in a span of 2:40 Adalius Thomas and Terrance Parrish both returned interceptions for touchdowns as Southern Miss' offensive and defensive attack proved too much for the Panthers, whose three turnover doomed them despite having 440 total yards and having the ball for 32:55.

Sherrod Gideon caught three touchdown passes from Lee Roberts (who went 18 of 26 for 227 yards) and was named MVP.

This would remain the biggest margin of victory in Liberty Bowl history until 2013.